Doing nothing...

Today, I choose to spend it with just Hannah and Caroline. I could have cleaned, done laundry and made dinner for tonight. BUT instead I woke up this morning and decided none of that mattered...Tim had work to do outside so that meant I was on my own with my two daughters. It was magical. I can't remember the last time I spent the day so simply. Hannah, Caroline and I watched t.v., played outside, napped together and etc... Now, Hannah also spent part of the day with Tim as he did his chores outside...she does like to follow her daddy around while he works the farm. And that was cute to witness.

I'll admit as I sit here tonight and look around at all I need to do, I wave of guilt passed over me. BUT when I put Hannah down tonight, she exclaimed "Today was a good day mom!" and that was all I needed to hear. The guilt went away and all I am left with is happiness and memories...I was able to enjoy the moment and to me that is priceless!

Blessings...

Today is Easter and to anyone reading this HAPPY EASTER! Today, I experienced something new: seeing my three year old become excited over what the Easter Bunny brought her.  Up until this point she was on the cusp of "getting it" but today she "got it" and was eager to go home after church this morning to look for her basket full of goodies.  Only this year the "Easter Bunny" went a little overboard...yes, that's right I went crazy.  I promised myself from the minute Hannah was born that my kids would get presents at the holidays in moderation.  AND up until this Easter, I stood by that...but something inside of me became excited too as I bought items and before I knew it Hannah had a basketful of presents and three other larger items as well.  HOWEVER, I couldn't resist given the sale/clearance price tags and knowing the look on her face=) And to see the bright eyes and hear the "WOWs" come from Hannah made it worth it...

Caroline had a simple Easter this year as she's still too young for most things but I did find some fun Sesame Street soft books that she readily put in her mouth as soon as she spotted them...LOL!

All of this leads me to tonight when Tim asked if I had a good Easter...My answer: It was the best Easter in a long time.  My kids and my family mean more to me then anything and to see the happiness on Hannah's and Caroline's faces were what mattered. As Hannah was saying her prayers tonight, I added a silent one in that I thanked God for all that I have and for the wonderful family and friends I am blessed with....

Milestones...

By the title one might expect something to do with Caroline or Hannah...but not so much tonight.  It's about me...yes, that's right me: the mother, wife, p.r. professional, friend, sister and all that's in between.  I accomplished two amazing things last week:  I became accredited in public relations and I ran my very first EVER 5K.  Some might say I was crazy to do both in the same week...and they would be right.  However, I did it.

I've overcome a lot in my life and couldn't be more honored and humbled by these two recent accomplishments.  You see, I was never the most popular or the best at really anything.  I was just me trying to carve out a piece of life for myself.  I worked hard, overcame a lot of negatives and finally found myself, my life and what happiness means to me.  That's not to say I'm not a work in progress or don't make mistakes b/c I am and I do.  BUT I am who I am and I accept that....finally. And am really happy!

So for that I am thankful.  I am excited to see where my journey leads next but for now I'm going to relish in becoming APR and running my first 5K.  Who knows maybe a master's degree and a 1/2 marathon is in my future...just maybe...

Shoes

It goes without saying that for most women shoes are a wonderful accessory.  I am no exception. I love shoes. In fact, I love shoes and handbags more so than jewelry.  Well, that is, except for diamonds! Those really are a girls BEST friend!!! =)

Back to shoes...I think I'm passing along my love for shoes to Hannah and even perhaps to Caroline.  Hannah recently went through a growth spurt and most of her shoes no longer fit.  So, as I was checking out Children's Place online, I found some ADORABLE shoes for both Hannah and Caroline.  And tonight they arrived in the mail.  Hannah exclaimed "I love them mommy!!" as she happily went and tried hers on...Then came back and ask why she didn't have sandals like Caroline.  I tried to explain the store didn't have those sandals in her size, but to a three year old, that doesn't really resonate.  So, in the end I told her we'd go shopping this week for a pair of sandals.  Her response? "I would like three pairs mommy."  Ahhh...another shoe lover in the making!!

Hannah and Caroline's new shoes!!

Phrases

I used to think I needed to just watch my use of certain vocabulary words around Hannah but I've now realized that the list is expanding.  For those of you who are friends with my on Facebook know that this week Hannah used the word "Jesus" in a way I didn't expect her to...I couldn't yell at her b/c she was only repeating what I say. BIG Sigh.  I talked with her about what Jesus means and how we use his name and I think she understood to a point but I realized that in order for her to completely understood I need to be an example.  That's not as easy as it sounds...

Fast forward to last night when Hannah, coming into our bed b/c she couldn't sleep, says: "You know you love me mom!" I don't recall ever really using that phrase nor do I think Tim uses it...but she picked it up from somewhere and in many ways it melted my heart.  It was adorable and funny how she said it but I noted to myself that above all I never want her to ever doubt that. So my response to her was "I love you with all my heart Hannah and always will."

I suspect I'll be correcting myself and her for awhile with words used but we'll get there eventually...perhaps.

My Overwhelming Life...

As someone with a lot on her plate, I often pride myself in being able to handle all that life throws at me.  With a demanding career, two kids and all that life is, I am usually relatively upbeat and try to take it all in stride.  But even I'll admit that I've taken on a lot right now.  You see this coming week brings two firsts for me: my Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) exam AND running my first 5K.  To many it may not seem like a lot but to me that coupled with the day to day is causing me to feel overwhelmed.

Having my APR is something I've wanted to do for a long time...it supports my profession and provides me with another opportunity to learn and grow in public relations.  I'll be honest, I love my career.  Sure, it's crazy busy and I often have too much on my plate BUT I wouldn't change what I decided to do for anything.  When I was at BGSU, for the first three years there I thought I was going to be a newspaper reporter.  I saw myself as the next Diane Sawyer of the newspaper world...well, maybe not quite but you get where I'm going... Then my heart changed, and I realized news reporter wasn't for me...So what was then?  Thankfully I had an opportunity at BGSU's Continuing Education Program and the rest, as they say, is history... Fast forward 12 years from that part time job and I'm about ready to elevate my career to the next level...I hope. I believe in public relations and the important role it plays in the business environment and couldn't be more proud to call myself a p.r. professional.

And then there's the 5K....what can I say other than it's another challenge?! I discovered running three years ago and haven't looked back.  I suppose I should say I'm more of a jogger than a "runner" but whatever you label me I love it! I'll admit when I first hit the pavement, I'm in a little bit of dread but then the mind starts to clear and I feel the tension and whatever else is bothering me start to fade.... When those miles are over with, I feel accomplished and ready to tackle whatever is next.

BUT I never expected to run a 5K...that is until a good friend of ours was diagnosed with cancer and began training for a marathon following his surgery.  I thought to myself if Ben can overcome that obstacle then I most certainly can support him by running three miles.  And so it is....but I'm not only running for Ben but also another friend named Joe who is going through his own health issues.  They are both incredibly strong! And last but not least I am running for me and to show my inner self that yes, I can do this! So for all three of us, I'll be running the Glass City 5K next weekend!

More to come but as any woman can attest, life is never easy, simple or calm....but I'm not sure I'd have it any other way ;)

A girl and her underwear...

Yes, the title may be odd...weird in fact.  BUT it means something to Hannah.  Yup, Hannah and her underwear are in love.  Or should I say Hannah is in love with her underwear.  LOL! Every morning she faithfully lays all her underwear out on the floor and picks out the one she wants to wear for the day.  And whenever I wash them, she thanks me and her eyes become bright for it means she has more to choose from the next day.  Case in point, a few pictures below...Thankfully she does have lots to choose from, including the Disney Princesses, Tinker Bell and Friends as well as fun hearts, flowers and stripes with bows on them.  Got to love three year olds and what makes them happy at this point for I know it will not always be this simple.